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Monday, November 30, 2015

Saturday evening, I made my radio debut on Saturday Nite Sessions with Gearshift Gary on EZ 87.7 FM. I presented the "Community Calendar" segment at 7:30 p.m., and we talked a little about the Spillway Road restaurant, City of Brandon amphitheater, and other matters of interest to the Rez News readers. We plan to make this a regular segment on the last Saturday evening of every month at 7:30 p.m.

For those listening Saturday, I will post all of the event information I discussed on the Rez News in the coming days.

The City of Brandon's Christmas Parade is themed "Home for the Holidays", and it takes place this Friday, December 4, 2015, at 7 p.m. The parade starts at Brandon Middle School on College Street. Can't seem to find any more information online other than the Parade Application.

The City of Ridgeland will also have its Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2015, It begins at 2 p.m. at Holmes Community College Campus in Ridgeland. The route meanders through Olde Towne before returning to Holmes CC. The Technology Student Association at Olde Town Middle School will act as the Grand Marshal. The theme is "The Twelve Days of Christmas".

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Madison the City will have it Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. The parade starts at Ridgecrest Baptist Church and runs up to the red caboose on Main Street in Downtown Madison. The theme is "Believe in the Joy and Spirit of Christmas". The Grand Marshals are Anna Daniels, Mississippi's Distinguished Young Woman, and Grace Post, Mississippi's Outstanding Teen. There will be floats, choreographed dancing groups, marching bands, etc.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

A Reservoir institution for many years, the Rankin Record is shutting down its printing press. Too much competition for those advertising dollars out there. The Rankin Record was owned and published by Emmerich Newspapers, who operates, among other newspapers, the Northside Sun and Scott County Times.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

You have until 7 p.m. to vote and to pick up your Thanksgiving Boston Butt from the NW Rankin High School Athletic Department. When you grab your butt, you will be reminded that the athletic department is already accepting orders for Christmas. Again an 8-10 lb Boston Butt is $35; and an 8 lb spiral cut ham is $40.

You can order online at www.northwestrankinbaseball.com. Those orders need to be made by December 14, 2015. The pick up date will be December 22, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The PRVWSD, Rankin County Board of Supervisors, and City of Flowood all made recent changes in the legal arena.

About a year ago, long-time PRVWSD attorney, Jim Tohill, retired from practicing law. While Jim's old firm, Jones Walker, continued to provide representation for ongoing litigation, the PRVWSD sought a different path on a "going forward" basis. The PRVWSD began utilizing the services of the Attorney General's office, saving quite a bit of money. At that time, the AG named leaseholder, Mack Cameron, as PRVWSD attorney. Phillip Huskey, was brought on as well as co-counsel. Last month, the PRVWSD renewed the AG's services for another year. However, Mack Cameron is no longer general counsel; Phillip Huskey is now shown as sole attorney for the PRVWSD.

In similar fashion, a few years ago, the Rankin County Board of Supervisors made the switch from outside counsel to inside counsel. Board Attorney Lem Adams went from private practice, to in-house counsel for the City of Flowood. At that time, Craig Slay was named as in-house Board Attorney. Recently, Slay submitted his resignation, effective January 1, 2016. That means, the Board of Supervisors will need to name a new lawyer. I'll let you know when that occurs.

Finally, Flowood Municipal Judge Ken Fairly recently stepped down and Lem Adams was named as his replacement. Lem had been serving as general counsel for the City of Flowood, with Erica Jo Lloyd as his assistant counsel. With Lem moving over to Municipal Judge, I imagine this means a change at general counsel for the City of Flowood.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Millcreek Animal Clinic has a donation box set up in its lobby in memory of Campbell Dale. All toys, gift cards, money, or other items donated will go to Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital (Cancer Floor). These items are used year round (Christmas, after chemo, after shots, after surgery, etc.) as happy's for the kids. Please continue to pray for The Dale Family. Come by and show your support! Thanks!

Campbell's father, David, is one of the partner vets at the Millcreek Animal Clinic.

1) It makes stuffing all that turkey, cranberry sauce, pecan pie and, well, stuffing, into your mouth so much more justifiable.
2) It gets you out of the house and away from the in-laws for a little while.
3) It makes the post-turkey nap that much more meaningful.

Amazingly, Fleet Feet hosts the only Thanksgiving day race in the Jackson Metro Area. It's an 8K (5 miles) in Ridgeland.

Continue a Thanksgiving Day tradition or start a new tradition by participating in the Sixth Annual Turkey Day 8K presented by Fleet Feet Sports. The race will begin and finish at Fleet Feet Sports in Ridgeland at 7:00 AM. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Ridgeland Multi-Use Trails. The course is USATF certified, and the race will be chip timed. There will be a run division, walk division, and free 1/4 mile run for kids. The entry fee includes a long sleeve tech shirt and post-race food and beverages. Prizes will be given to the overall winners and age group winners. Packet pick-up will be the day before the race from 10 to 6 at Fleet Feet Sports.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Below are the Minutes from the PRVWSD Board of Supervisors Meeting in October. Highlights include:

The PRVWSD renewed the contract with the MS Attorney General for representation for another year. As of today, the staff contact page of the PRVWSD's website indicates the attorneys provided by the AG's office are Mack Cameron and Phillip Huskey.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

In anticipation of Christmas, the Handworks Holiday Market is this weekend at the Mississippi Trade Mart. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. It's the 34th edition of this show, featuring "fine art, exquisite jewelry, custom-made children's clothing and unique gifts from more than 150 exhibitors." Go to www.handworksmarket.com for more info.

Below is a copy of the sample ballot for the runoff election for Madison/Rankin Circuit Judge. That runoff is Tuesday, November 24. Thankfully, the ballot is a tad less involved then the one used November 3. Please vote that day. It will take you a mere two minutes to sign in, show you ID, and vote. Paper ballots only will be used, so it will be clean and easy.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Anna Wolfe of the Clarion Ledger with an article on the Shoreline Committee's vote to recommend approval of bidding for the four acre tract on Spillway Road near Hwy 471. From the article:

The Pearl River Water Supply District will consider a recommendation from the Shoreline Development Committee to advertise for development on a 4-acre plot on East Spillway Road in its Thursday morning meeting.

* * *

The PRWSD board will meet Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to discuss advertising the location, which is the first step in getting the ball rolling on plans for new development. Developers could propose anything from restaurants and retail establishments to office spaces and residential buildings.

Developer Niles Bryan presented his plans for a seafood restaurant on the heavily wooded plot to the Shoreline Development Committee on Monday. He is looking at taking an integrated approach to his building by utilizing nature in his design, which includes a playground for children.

* * *

Sigman said the PRVWSD is more than likely going to approve Shoreline Development Committee’s recommendation. The advertising period would last at least 60 days, after which the board could enact a lease agreement with a developer in February.

The City of Brandon will host its 2015 Christmas Parade, themed, "Home for the Holidays" on Friday evening, December 4, beginning at 7 p.m. The route begins at the middle school on College Street. Don't just watch, take part in the fun! The application for float is below. There is some serious prize money to be won.

The City of Flowood finally improved their website. Check out the new design. Thankfully, the City puts their ordinances online, as well as various applications for variances, and other forms. You can pay your water bill online, pay a court violation, etc. It's a good resource

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Boil Water Notice: ONLY for Streets: Ashland Ave., Brendalwood, Common Wealth, and Pelahatchie Shore Drive.Effective immediately, the PEARL RIVER VALLEY WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT has issued a Boil Water Notice for the streets Ashland Ave, Brendalwood, Common Wealth, and Pelahatchie Shore Drive in the Pelahatchie Bay water system PWS# 610036. This notice was issued due to loss of water or water pressure. The loss of water or water pressure was due to a repair on a broken 6 inch saddle on a main water line.There are 100 water connections affected in the areas. The Mississippi State Department of Health was notified by telephone and email.We will take the first of the two samples from the affected area on November 17, 2015. This boil water notice will be in effect for at least 48 hours or until we receive two consecutive days of clear sampling.Door hangers have been posted to alert the water customers to vigorously boil for one minute any water to be consumed.

Bert Case is one of the Reservoir's most popular (and entertaining) residents and promoters. He's been in the news business a long time in the Jackson Metro area, and is one of the most recognizable figures. For those unaware, Jackson Jambalaya has been doing a fantastic job providing updates on Bert's condition. Today, Kingfish posted an update that signals a continued need for prayers.

Yesterday afternoon, the Shoreline Committee met to discuss whether to authorize the advertisement for bids for the lease of land off Spillway near Hwy 471 for commercial development. Over on the Reservoir Community Watch Facebook Page, a concerned citizen posted the following comments:

Well they [the PRVWSD Shoreline Committee] voted to go through with the next step to start an advertisement for bids for development. There is only a 60 day period once the ad starts. It seems no matter what the community says, Pearl River is going to go through with development.

Only about a dozen from the community [were at the meeting]. There were 2 votes to approve the ad, one no. The rest abstained.

Brackets added for context.According to information obtained from PRVWSD, the final vote was 5 in favor, 1 opposed, with no abstentions. There were a number of Board members and other individuals at the meeting who do not sit on the Shoreline Committee that may have appeared to be abstentions.FYI, the members of the Shoreline Committee are John Arledge, Chair; Trey Bobinger, Vice Chair; Jim Carraway; John Pittman; Samuel Mitchell; Bruce Brackin

Monday, November 16, 2015

The Shoreline Development Committee meets in less than half an hour to discuss, among other things, the proposed restaurant off Spillway Road near Highway 471. See my earlier post here concerning the PRVWSD's call for comments.

For more posts about this restaurant, see here, here, here (including renderings of the proposed restaurant) and here. The Change.org petition is now up to 187 electronic signatures.

(I apologize for the delay in posting. Out of state wedding. I'm back and I'm glad Kaelyn Conerly is too.)

Beginning November 28, and on the last Saturday of each month thereafter, I will pop into the Flowood 87.7 FM studio during Gearshift Gary's radio program, Saturday Nite Sessions, and provide a "Community Calendar" segment. The precise time during the segment hasn't been decided yet. Too hip to own a radio? Never fear, you can listen to it here.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

This Saturday from 9am until 4pm. The Lakeshore Park event offers an ideal location for holiday shopping. The event is free, opens 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will offer various types of handcrafted merchandise, including woodworking, metalworking, mosaics, painting, knitting, sewn work and up-cycled materials.

“What the show offers is a unique shopping experience, featuring local craftsmen and artists, surrounded by the view of The Rez,” said show organizer Cindy Ford. “The park has a playground for children and ample space for parking, walking and visiting with the different vendors.”

Bill McKay and Corey Sullivan, both of Rankin County, earned first place in the Sunset Marina @ 43Two Day Bass Championship last weekend. Ten fish, 34.97 pounds. For their trouble, they take home a Crestliner 17 Storm. Nice work, gentlemen. Here is Brian Broom's story at the Clarion Ledger.

PRVWSD Committees meet this upcoming Monday. The full PRVWSD Board meets Thursday, November 19, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. at PRVWSD headquarters. I'll be posting the agendas of the committees, beginning with the Shoreline Development Committee.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

This is the last week to purchase your Boston Butt, Turkey or spiral cut Ham from the Northwest Rankin High School Baseball and Softball Teams.

8 to 10 pound Butts are $35.00. 12 to 16 pound Turkeys are $35.00. An 8 pound ham is $40.00.

The pick up day is Tuesday, November 24, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the back entrance of the NWR High School Cafeteria. Delivery can be arranged for orders over $300. Place your order here. If you want more information, call or email Coach McClaskey at 992-2236/jmcclaskey@rcsd.ms.

Monday, November 9, 2015

There are a number of good resources on Facebook for Reservoir residents. One of those is the Reservoir Community District Page, started by Supervisor Rodney Keith and Homer Burns. We've talked about this page before here and here.

Two recent posts on the Rez Community District Page from concerned citizens are troubling.

Alert.9 hrsThere was an attempted break in last night around 7 pm in the Lineage Lake subdivision. 2 men tried kicking in the front door of a home but were unsuccessful. Police were dispatched but they fled on foot..

A request to advertise for proposals to lease the four acre
site on East Spillway Road, to be used for a restaurant, office park, retail or
residential development, will be placed on the Shoreline Development Committee
agenda for its meeting on November 16 at 3:30 PM in the offices of the
PRVWSD. If approved by the committee, the request will go before the
Board of Directors at its meeting on November 19 at 9:30 AM in the offices of
the PRVWSD

Below are the September 2015 minutes for the PRVWSD's Board of Director's meeting. Here's a summary: Dams and bridges being inspected, new bathhouses being built, radio systems and bullet proof vests purchased, etc. The Board did re-elect the same officers for the 2016, so Jack Winstead will be your Chairman for the upcoming year. Other than that, an unexciting meeting.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Every day, the Rez rises. Slowly, surely, it rises. With more rain expected tomorrow evening through Sunday, expect the trend to continue. For detailed info on the Rez height, check out the USGS website.

The County lists Statewide results by house district, which makes it impossible to determine county-wide how those candidates fared without some calculation. Needless to say, local boys Phil Bryant and Tate Reeves cruised to victory in Rankin County, as did Stacey Pickering and the rest of the statewide incumbents.

Most local elections were unopposed and merely took up space on the ballot. The races creating the most interest were the judicial races and ballot Initiative 42. Haydn Roberts, candidate for Chancery Court Judge, surprised many people by drawing over 55% of the county vote in a four person race. That is strong.

Rankin Countian, Assistant District Attorney, Marty Miller, worked his way into a run off with Madison County Judge, Steve Ratcliff. That run-off election will take place November 24, 2015. Marty will need a high voter turn-out in Rankin County to overcome Ratcliff's numbers.

In a district redrawn favorably for a Republican candidate, Vance Cox took only 59% of Rankin County, not enough to overcome the Scott County turnout for incumbent Tom Miles.

Rankin County showed its love for Brent Bailey, giving him over 15,000 more total votes than his Democratic opponent, Cecil Brown. Brent pulled a margin of victory almost as high as Tate. Cecil, however, took the District-wide vote at the end of the night.

Speaking of 15,000+ vote margins of victory, the people of Rankin County rose up in opposition to the attempt to amend the State's Constitution. Compare that to Madison Counties margin of only 5,067 votes. Again, (in my opinion) Rankin County flexes its muscles and reminds the State of its importance in deciding elections.

I already voted at the Grant's Ferry precinct. Long line at 6:55 a.m., which is a great sign. The line is not the only thing long at the polls. The ballot can take a while to get through. Remember, you are not only voting on contested statewide races, but also the uncontested local races. So, you will have to slog through voting for District Attorney Guest, Supervisor Cross, and County Surveyor Love.

To prepare yourself, take a look at the Secretary of State's sample ballot, at this website.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Below is the content of a media release from the PRVWSD concerning the reopening of the previously closed boat ramps.

Ramps reopened at Barnett Reservoir

Barnett Reservoir officials on Monday reopened 10 ramps closed due to low water levels related to the months-long drought.

Pearl River Valley Water Supply District officials announced that only one ramp remains closed — one lane at Rankin County Landing that is scheduled for repair. The problem was spotted while another ramp at the landing was being fixed during the low water conditions. Other ramps at the Rankin Landing are open.

The popular Fannin Landing in Rankin County has reopened, as well as the ramps in the Glen Cove, Bay Park and Harbor View subdivisions in Pelahatchie Bay.

In Madison County, the Twin Harbor ramps were repaired during the closure and are now open. The ramp on the Madison County side of the spillway is also open.

On the upper end of the main lake in the vicinity of Mississippi Highway 43, ramps at Brown’s Landing, Goshen Springs Campground, Lake Harbor Road and Harbor Lane have reopened.

At 2 p.m. Monday, Barnett Reservoir stood at 296.04 feet above sea level, having risen nearly a foot over the last week. The lake remains nearly 18 inches below the target level of 297.5, and users are advised to use caution when boating on the 33,000-acre lake. At the lower level, more obstacles are closer to the surface.

The Rez News is a private, hyperlocal blog, publishing news about Missisippi towns around the Ross Barnett Reservoir including Flowood, Ridgeland, Jackson, Madison and news from Hinds, Rankin, and Madison Counties in central Mississippi. Please notify us of upcoming events. We will be happy to publish information about them. Our email address can be found in the About Us section.